Marrero pastor accused of whipping boys for misbehaving in church

A Marrero pastor was booked with child cruelty for allegedly whipping two pre-teen boys with a belt after they misbehaved in church, Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand said. Daniel Smith, 36, is accused of abusing the brothers, ages 9 and 10, after their mother asked Smith to counsel them for improper behavior during a March 9 service at Religious Leader of Behold Lamb of God Ministry on Ames Boulevard.

JPSO

The next day, Sheriff's Office detectives were called to Woodmere Elementary School, where the 10-year-old had complained of soreness to the school nurse, who noticed several bruises and abrasions on his abdomen, arm and back, according to a Sheriff's Office news release.

The boy told detectives that Smith had beaten him with a belt, causing him to cry and urinate on himself, the release said.

The 9-year-old also was allegedly whipped, though his injuries were less serious.

The boys' mother told detectives that as a single parent, she often seeks Smith's help with family counseling. She said Smith had never physically disciplined her sons before, the news release said.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Smith on charges of cruelty to a juvenile and simple battery.

While being booked, Smith was asked to remove his belt. As detectives examined the belt, Smith allegedly said, "That's not the belt I used to whip the boy," according to the news release.